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Visual Training for Tennis: Going Beyond "Watch the Ball"
Note: The kindle version was found to be an older draft of the book and has been pulled until it can be updated. We believe the less than 5 star reviews are a reflection of that. This message will be updated when the new version becomes available. bp 3/22/2018What passes for visual training given to the majority of tennis players is woefully inadequate and sometimes flat out wrong. This book provides a myriad of solutions, because there is no finite understanding or solution for every player. 28 separate and interrelated essays give practical solutions and a better understanding that no two people have the same visual experience. Strong reviews from knowledgeable tennis experts.
107 pages, Paperback
Published January 23, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 17, 2018
Visual Training for Tennis: Going Beyond “Watch the Ball” by Bill Patton is a great book for tennis coaches and their players. Surprisingly, those who are just interested in how human sight works, especially in relation to sports, will enjoy this read as well.
A common piece of advice in tennis—in any sport involving a ball, and even when working towards a goal overall—is “Keep your eye on the ball.” But could this age-old saying actually be misleading tennis players? Patton thinks so. Using a combination of scientific study, professional advice, and personal anecdotes, Patton explains how visual training in tennis does not live up to its full potential when it sticks to “watch the ball”—in fact, his argument suggests that such training might even hinder some players. From slow-motion video training and the bounce-hit technique to keeping your eyes in good shape for the court, Visual Training for Tennis provides a wide variety of advice regarding how best to utilize visual training in tennis.
Patton put in a surprising amount of research into this book, especially into the science behind how our eyes work and how that can affect tennis players. I most appreciate his emphasis on the fact that everyone is different, whether it’s a difference in eyesight or a difference in how they learn. As Patton himself says, coaches have to see through their students’ eyes in order to train them the best they can.
Given the subject of the book, I wish that some illustrations or photos had accompanied Patton’s writing. While the concepts were easy to understand overall, I’m a visual learner and some images would have helped me to better “see” what he meant. (Of course, that’s just a personal preference based on the way I learn.)
All in all, I think that tennis coaches and their pupils both will find great value in Patton’s suggestions and exercises. If you’re new to tennis, you might not want to try and wrap your head around these concepts just yet (unless you’re only reading it for the information on how human sight works). However, coaches will want to check this out to refine their training techniques and players will want to discuss it with their own coaches to see if any of Patton’s advice can improve their play.
A common piece of advice in tennis—in any sport involving a ball, and even when working towards a goal overall—is “Keep your eye on the ball.” But could this age-old saying actually be misleading tennis players? Patton thinks so. Using a combination of scientific study, professional advice, and personal anecdotes, Patton explains how visual training in tennis does not live up to its full potential when it sticks to “watch the ball”—in fact, his argument suggests that such training might even hinder some players. From slow-motion video training and the bounce-hit technique to keeping your eyes in good shape for the court, Visual Training for Tennis provides a wide variety of advice regarding how best to utilize visual training in tennis.
Patton put in a surprising amount of research into this book, especially into the science behind how our eyes work and how that can affect tennis players. I most appreciate his emphasis on the fact that everyone is different, whether it’s a difference in eyesight or a difference in how they learn. As Patton himself says, coaches have to see through their students’ eyes in order to train them the best they can.
Given the subject of the book, I wish that some illustrations or photos had accompanied Patton’s writing. While the concepts were easy to understand overall, I’m a visual learner and some images would have helped me to better “see” what he meant. (Of course, that’s just a personal preference based on the way I learn.)
All in all, I think that tennis coaches and their pupils both will find great value in Patton’s suggestions and exercises. If you’re new to tennis, you might not want to try and wrap your head around these concepts just yet (unless you’re only reading it for the information on how human sight works). However, coaches will want to check this out to refine their training techniques and players will want to discuss it with their own coaches to see if any of Patton’s advice can improve their play.
July 2, 2020
Some really interesting ideas.
Wish I could rate it 4.5. Some really solid ways of practicing and thinking about visual acuity in tennis. Also, very good treatment of eye-mind-body interaction and ways of improving it.
I may come back and rate as 5 as I work through some of the suggestions and drills. They do make sense. Really interested to work the drills and suggestions. 7/1/20.
Wish I could rate it 4.5. Some really solid ways of practicing and thinking about visual acuity in tennis. Also, very good treatment of eye-mind-body interaction and ways of improving it.
I may come back and rate as 5 as I work through some of the suggestions and drills. They do make sense. Really interested to work the drills and suggestions. 7/1/20.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews